# Desktop App Design

> Desktop application design patterns including window management, menu bars, and keyboard-first interaction.

- Skill: `dragoon0x/desktop-app-design` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add dragoon0x/desktop-app-design`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dragoon0x/desktop-app-design/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: dragoon0x (https://skillmd.com/u/dragoon0x)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dragoon0x/desktop-app-design

---


# Desktop App Design

## Desktop-Specific Patterns

### Window Management
- Resizable with minimum size constraints.
- Remember window position and size between sessions.
- Multi-window support where appropriate.
- Fullscreen mode.

### Menu Bar
- Standard menu structure: File, Edit, View, Window, Help.
- Platform-consistent keyboard shortcuts.
- Menu items match toolbar actions.

### Keyboard-First
- All actions have keyboard shortcuts.
- Tab navigation through all interactive elements.
- Cmd/Ctrl+Z undo everywhere.
- Right-click context menus.

### Panels and Sidebars
- Collapsible panels for tool palettes.
- Drag to resize panels.
- Dock/undock panels.
- Remember panel configuration.

### System Integration
- Respect OS dark/light mode.
- Native file dialogs for open/save.
- Drag and drop from desktop/Finder.
- System notifications for background tasks.